Forever Alexa (Book Four In The Bodyguards Of L.A. County Series) (7 page)

Jackson got on his hands and knees in an attempt to rescue his dog. “Let’s get him out of there. Out you go, Mutt. You can come with me.” He pulled his trembling dog out from under the furniture and clutched the pup close to his chest. “There you go.”

He smiled as the little blonde tilted her head up, grinning. His smile fell away as he stared.

“Mutt is cute. I like him very much,” she said as she petted him. Her soft fingers touched Jackson’s with each stroke. “He’s just a baby. We have to be gentle,” she went on.

This was Alex’s daughter, Olivia. Olivia had his eyebrows and eyes, his mouth, his short nose that turned up at the tip just a touch, his hair color for God’s sake.

“Alex?” He glanced from his tiny mirror image to her mother.

Alex’s eyes filled as they met his.

Heart pounding, reeling from utter shock, he rushed to his feet. “Alex?”

Sarah stepped in the silent room. “Girls, let’s take Mutt to the kitchen. We’ll have a snack and get him a drink of water.”

The girls clasped hands and ran off, making as much noise as they had when they entered the room. Sarah took Mutt from Jackson as he stared at Alex, the woman he’d yearned for, the mother of his child. “She’s mine.”

Alex said nothing as she tore her gaze from his and looked at the floor.

“She’s mine,” he snapped as embers of anger sparked to life.

She nodded. “Yes. Olivia’s your daughter.”

Although he’d seen her for himself, hearing Alex’s confirmation was another jolt, adding to the flames of resentment. “How could you do this? How could you keep her from me?” He bit off each word.

She looked up as tears ran down her cheeks. “You broke things off before I found out. If I was too much of a complication in your life... I didn’t think you’d want her.”

“I didn’t want
you
, Alex.” He spewed out a venomous lie. “I didn’t want you. How old is she? How old is my daughter?”

“Three and a half. She was born on your birthday.”

He turned away as grief mixed with furry. He’d had a daughter for three-and-a-half years—and yearned for her mother the entire time. They could’ve been a family. He could’ve had everything he’d ever wanted. Now they were both here in this house, but it felt like they were still miles apart. The ironic injustice knocked him back another step.

His cellphone rang. He glanced at the readout. Evelyn. He closed his eyes and reached for his phone. “Hey, Ev.”

“Is everything okay? Where are you?”

“I’m still at Sarah and Ethan’s.”

“I thought you said twenty minutes.”

“I know I did. Ev, I’ve run in to a few...issues. I won’t be home for a while yet.” He watched Alex turn to the window.

“Do you want me to come over? You sound upset.”

Dear God, that was exactly what he
didn’t
need. “No. I’ll be home later. I’ll explain everything then. I’ve gotta go.”

“Okay. I love you.”

“You too.” He shoved his phone away.

Alex whirled around, rushed forward, and snatched the detective’s business card from his grip. “Go home, Jack.” She grabbed her luggage and started toward the hall. “Your ‘issues’ just cleared up.”

He snagged her arm and yanked her back. “What are you doing? Where are you going?”

“This was a mistake.” She moved her shoulder, attempting to free herself. “I shouldn’t have come to Los Angeles. Let me go.”

He tightened his grip, realizing he couldn’t do as she asked. Now that she was here, he didn’t know how he would let her go again. “Not yet.”

“I don’t have time for this. My sister needs help. I need to get out of here.”

“So, what, I’m just supposed to let you walk away? That’s my daughter laughing down the hall.”

“I assure you no one knows that more than I do. I won’t keep her from you, Jack, but I have bigger problems to deal with right now.” She tried to pull free again. “I have to get to the airport.”

A rush of panic surged through his veins. He was losing her again. “Like hell. You said they threatened to take Olivia. You’re not thinking clearly.”

Heat replaced the weariness in her eyes, and she took a step closer. “Don’t you dare, Jack. Don’t you dare insinuate that I would ever put my daughter in danger. I’ve been taking care of Livy all by myself since the beginning. We’ve done just fine so far.”

And didn’t that burn his ass? They would and could go on without him, as they had all along. Well, not anymore. “Where’re you going to go?”

“I don’t know yet. We’ll probably travel for a while until the detective assures me it’s safe to go back to Maryland.”

“Come to my house,” he blurted out. “I want you and Olivia to come to my house. Let me get to know my daughter while this mess gets straightened out. It could be months before it’s safe. I’ll help you with Abby. Give me a chance to be with Olivia.” He desperately wanted to sit with that tiny little girl again and pet the puppy while she smiled at him.
“I don’t think your wife will approve.”

“Wife? I don’t have a…” Evelyn. He kept forgetting about Evelyn. “Evelyn is my girlfriend.”

“I can’t imagine she’ll be thrilled to have your college ex and long-lost daughter under her roof.”

“Evelyn’s an amazing woman. She’ll understand after I talk to her.” A small, nasty thrill coursed up his spine when Alex flinched as he complimented his current lover.

She shook her head. “This isn’t a good idea.”

Anger still ruled him as he pulled her closer. “You owe me, Alex.” Their bodies brushed and their eyes locked. “You owe me three and a half years I can never get back.”

She stared at him for several seconds, then nodded. “Okay.”

“Let me call the detective and talk to Ev, then we’ll go.” He released Alex from his grip and walked off, trying to digest the huge change his life had just taken, while he struggled to ignore the familiar scent of vanilla and flowers that had haunted him for years.

Sighing, Alexa stared out the window, taking in the massive palm trees, bright in the warm California sun. She struggled to focus on anything but the unending complications of late. She’d worked so hard to give Livy and herself a quiet, simple life, free from the worries that had plagued her throughout her youth. She’d succeeded until their bubble of tranquility burst Friday evening at the isolated Maryland rest stop.

Moments later, Jack turned into a driveway, pulling up to a charming, smaller upscale house. The dark blue ranch with creamy trim was so pretty, its flower boxes bursting with bright white blooms—a woman’s touch. Evelyn’s touch.

The front door opened, and the stunning woman with shoulder-length black hair stepped outside, waving. Jack’s eyes brightened, and a huge grin warmed his handsome face.

“Are we here, Mommy? Are we here?”

Alexa turned to her daughter and tried to ignore the twist of hurt Jack’s reaction to his girlfriend caused her. He used to smile at her like that, but that was ages ago. She and Jack were long over. It was vital to remember that. “Yes, honey. Go ahead and unbuckle.”
“Can I play with Mutt?”

“In just a minute.” Jack took the puppy from Alexa’s lap, barely sparing her a look. He stepped from the driver’s seat and opened the back door for Olivia. “Come on. I want you to meet someone.” He took Livy’s hand, and they started up the drive. Evelyn met them halfway. Jack handed her the small ball of fur, and her pretty brown eyes widened as she laughed and hugged Jack. He gave her a kiss before he picked Olivia up and said something to Evelyn as she smiled, then said something to Livy.

Alexa studied the couple Jack and Evelyn made. They looked good together. It would be hard for them not to; they were both gorgeous. Even in jeans and a navy blouse that accentuated sleek, sexy curves, Evelyn appeared every bit the smooth professional. And Jack was so different. His tailored khaki slacks and aqua-blue collared shirt were a long way from the denim and tight football t-shirts he used to live in. A lot had changed in four years. He’d grown up.

With a deep sigh, Alexa opened her door. She didn’t want to do this. It would be so much easier to call a cab and head to the airport, but Jack was right; she owed him, and he could help her with Abby. And more importantly, Olivia was safe. With a final steeling breath, she closed the door and walked over to the commotion of her chatty daughter and yipping puppy, a smile pasted on her face.

Evelyn glanced up. “Hello. You must be Alex.”

“Yes. Alexa,” she amended as she took Evelyn’s outstretched hand, staring at the truly beautiful woman measuring her. Perhaps it was petty to correct her, but only one person had ever called her ‘Alex.’ It would be better if Jack called her Alexa, too. ‘Alex’ ceased to exist years ago. “Thank you for having us in your home.”

She nodded. “I hope you’ll feel welcome. I know how important this is to Jackson.” She circled her arm around his waist.

Alexa read the message loud and clear—welcome, but not
too
welcome. They were here because that’s the way Jack wanted it. “Thank you.”

“Let’s go inside. Can I get you anything to eat?”

Her stomach jittered and clenched with nerves. Although she’d had nothing since the few bites at breakfast, the thought of food made her shudder. “Um, no thanks. Livy ate at the Cookes’. Sarah fixed her an early dinner. She’s still acclimating to the time change.”

Jack walked to the car and strolled back with the large suitcase, his own carry-on, and a bag full of items for the puppy.

Alexa rushed forward. “Oh, I can take my luggage.” She wanted something in her empty hands.

“I’ve got it.” He moved ahead to the house, not looking at her. His tone changed, and he smiled as he took Livy’s hand as he passed her by. “Welcome home, Olivia.”

Alexa’s discomfort grew as she realized this would be Olivia’s home on occasion. Livy was no longer just hers; she would be Jack’s, too. And probably Evelyn’s as well. Jack was serious about this woman. He’d moved on.

He held the door open and Evelyn carried the puppy inside. Alexa followed, stepping into the living room. Sea-foam-blue walls and dark, wooden furniture accented soft, creamy couches and beautiful nautical paintings. Area rugs over glossy wood drew out splashes of color in the art hanging about. Thriving plants set around the space, absorbing the sun. Alexa peered into the next room beyond and spotted the small table set for two. Crystal wine glasses still held chardonnay. White candles had been lit and blown out.

As Alexa glanced around the cozy space Jack and Evelyn had made, she realized she couldn’t do this. She’d spent the last four years of her life loving, needing, and missing a man who’d stopped yearning for her so long ago.
I didn’t want
you
, Alex
. Jack’s angry words echoed through her head like a nightmare. He’d stopped wanting her that cold February night, and she’d never gotten over it. But as she stared down at Jack and Olivia, petting the puppy, smiling identical smiles, talking, she understood she hadn’t had the right to keep them apart. She’d stolen something from both of them. Alex and Jack were over, but Jack and Olivia were just beginning. One had nothing to do with the other. Suddenly overwhelmed, Alexa pressed her fingers to her temple, trying to stem the stirrings of another headache. The small nap she’d taken had refreshed her a bit, but the slight recharge was quickly fading.

Evelyn laid a hand on Alexa’s arm. “Alexa, are you all right? You’re a little pale.”

Jack’s eyes snapped up.

“Yes. Yes, I’m fine. Thank you.” She tore her gaze from Jack’s and smiled at Evelyn, then glanced at her watch. She’d lost track of time. Forty-five minutes. She had less than an hour and no money for Abby’s kidnappers. Her heart raced as heat rushed through her body. “I’m—I’m just going to sit down.”

Jack stood. “I’ll show you to your room. You look like you could use some rest.” For the first time since he saw Olivia in the Cookes’ living room, his voice gentled with concern.

“No. No, I’m okay. I should stay here with Livy. She might get nervous if I leave her alone in a house she’s not familiar with.”

They both glanced at Livy laying on the floor, talking to and snuggling with the puppy.

“Olivia’s fine.”

“I’m fine, Mommy.” She beamed her confirmation.

“This way.” Jackson winked at Evelyn as he picked up the suitcase and started down the hall.

Alexa peered into well-decorated rooms as they passed the kitchen, a bathroom, the master suite—all exuding elegant masculinity that fit Jack well, except for the candles still lit around the Jacuzzi tub in the master bath and quiet, ambient music playing from some distant stereo. She and Livy were interrupting an intimate evening.